News & Events

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Sheena Phelps, 5th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, has been named as a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

I think Ms. Phelps is the most inspiring teacher because she inspired me to read some pretty amazing books.

Abigail

Ms. Phelps inspired me to never give up, always try, and never stop dreaming. She always finds a way to make learning fun.

Lexi F.

The Simplot Education Council received 2,204 nominations honoring 407 standout teachers across District 25. We’ll be showcasing our finalists daily through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, three educators—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school—will be named this year’s Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award winners. All finalists receive a $100 award, and the top teacher in each category will take home a $500 prize from the Council.

Dioramas on Display! Through research, creativity, and hands-on learning, these young scientists in Ms. Rogers' & Miss Kristi's classes at Jefferson Elementary brought their knowledge to life.

Please join us in celebrating an outstanding educator! 

We’re proud to announce that Mick Morgan, 4th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Mr. Morgan on this well-deserved recognition!

Mr. Morgan is one of the most impactful people in my life. He helped me believe in myself and feel like I could do anything if I worked hard enough. "His teaching style was one I will never forget; he was very inspiring. Today I am a straight A student and I owe all of it to him. He had a mantra; ‘I am responsible for everything I think, say, do and feel and today I will strive for excellence.’ To this day I still say this every morning. Thank you, Mr. Morgan, for everything you have taught me.” Kyrie W.

“I am nominating Mr. Morgan because he has inspired me in so many ways. Not only in learning but also in art. He always encouraged me to keep learning and drawing without giving up. In class he kept us motivated and inspired by showing us meaningful quotes, videos and reading books. He taught us how to stay disciplined and do our absolute best in everything.  He has made a huge impact on my life and taught me so many skills and strategies that I will always remember. Every time I get an artist block and feel like giving up, I just think about his encouraging words.”. Jassper T.

Join us in celebrating an outstanding educator!

We’re proud to announce that Sheena Phelps, 5th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, has been named a finalist for the Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year!

This year, the Simplot Education Council received an incredible 2,617 nominations recognizing 402 exceptional teachers across Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be spotlighted daily through Thursday, May 15, 2025.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced—honoring one exceptional teacher each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each category features five finalists, all of whom will receive a $100 award, with the top recipient in each group earning a $500 prize from the Council.

Congratulations to Ms. Phelps on this well-deserved recognition! 

“I will never forget my 5th grade year. I had just moved from a city which had been so kind to me and it was a heartbreak. My first day I was terrified, I had no friends and I was afraid it would stay that way. I knew the only thing I could do was just try my best to be the best student. Mss. Phelps introduced me to come of the other girls and my anxiety faded.  I vividly remember in the second week of school she pulled me aside and checked on me and how I was doing and she told me she was proud of me. Now I am almost in 7th grade and I can look back and remember almost every lesson, every conversation, she is truly an unforgettable teacher.” Violet A. 

The teacher I will never forget is Ms. Phelps. She helped me through all of 5th grade, the toughest grade for me but she stuck with me through the thick and thin. Ms. Phelps was the best teacher I’ve ever had. I finished the year strong thanks to her encouragement, helpfulness and support. Xavier M.
 

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, Katie Balls. Ms. Balls teaches 1st grade at Jefferson Elementary School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“I recommend Katie Ball as the Inspirational Teacher for 2024. She is a 1st-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary and has taught for 19 years. She is the epitome of a kind, caring and dedicated educator. Her students love her. I have often been with her when current and past students see her in a store or restaurant. It is like a rock star has arrived. There are gasps, excited tugging of parent's clothing, and then they run for a big hug! Students of all ages rush to see her and talk with her. Even students who have not been in her classroom, but have interacted with her at Jefferson, rush to speak with her. I have also taught her students in high school, and they speak of her with love and fondness.

One reason she is so loved is that her classroom environment focuses on kindness, inclusivity, and expectation. Simply, she shows them how to be good learners and citizens. The students in her classroom care about her and each other. They work hard to learn, and they celebrate the success of their classmates. It is so inspiring!

Additionally, her students are successful in developing important foundational skills of learning. Her students leave her classroom loving school and prepared to succeed in future grades. They are so successful because of her engaging lesson plans. Every year her classroom is turned into a bat cave as the culmination of their science unit on bats, in which they have learned many facts about bats and written about them as well. Ms. Ball supplies the necessary materials from her personal funds and spends time after hours to set up the learning activity. This is just one of many examples of her engaging teaching methods. I also know she is constantly learning and growing as an educator. She often explores instructional methods and implements new research-based strategies to help her students learn and succeed. She is a master at best practices in her classroom.

For 19 years Ms. Ball has put her students first, going the extra mile, buying extra supplies, creating engaging lesson plans, and doing all she can to love and nurture her precious "littles." She is extremely deserving of this recognition. Thank you for taking the time to consider her, and thank you for recognizing educators and supporting education in such a positive way. I appreciate the time you spend on this endeavor. As an educator, it means a lot to be noticed for your efforts and to feel the support of our community.” Fellow Educator, Heidi Luker

Please join us in congratulating Simplot Inspirational Teacher of the Year finalist, Mick Morgan. Mr. Morgan teaches 4^th grade at Jefferson Elementary School.

This year, the Simplot Education Council received 2,377 nominations for 398 teachers in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Finalists will be featured daily through Thursday, May 9, 2024. Three Simplot Inspirational Teacher Awards will be announced on Friday, May 10, 2024 – one for a teacher at the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, 5 finalists have been selected for each category and each will be awarded a $100 check. The Simplot Inspirational Teacher Award Recipients of 2024 will each be presented a $500 check on behalf of the Council.

“Mr. Morgan has been my biggest inspiration since I had his class in fourth grade. Something that really stuck out to me was the quote of the week. I may have thought it was useless back then, but now that I am older those quotes have stuck with me and have really helped in in my life. I also had Mr. Morgan during COVID which was a really hard time for a fourth grader but Mr. Morgan made my whole class know that we were loved and made sure we had all the supplies to finish off our school year at home.” Ella J.

“I am nominating Mr. Morgan because he was the most inspiring teacher I had through my life.  Every day, he encouraged us to keep going. He always told me to do what I loved and helped me to improve in what I was doing. Anytime I wanted to give up, he would inspire me to keep going, he gave us that motivation.” Maddie C.

“I would like to nominate Mr. Morgan. When I first entered 4^th grade I thought it was going to be an easy year, but it was really hard.  When my work was hard I would start to get really frustrated but Mr. Morgan would come up to me and ask how I was doing. I would say something like I need help or this is really hard, so one day he told the whole class, ‘there might be a lot of hardships in life but you have to keep trying and pushing’. “ Kamdon J. 

When is the first day of school for the 2026/2027 school year?

• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 for Grades 1-12
• Thursday, August 27, 2026 Kindergarten First Day (Group A)
• Friday, August 28, 2026 Kindergarten First Day (Group B)
• Back to School FAQ will be updated for the 2027/2028 school year after July 1, 2027.

How do I apply for my child to receive free and reduced meals?

Online Application Instructions

• Free and reduced meals will continue to be provided for those learners who qualify during the 2025-2026 school year. To qualify for free and reduced meals, parents and guardians are encouraged to fill out the free and reduced meal application after July 1, 2025. For more information refer to our Food Services website

When is the last day of school for the 2026/2027 school year?

• Thursday, June 3, 2027

When is graduation for the Class of 2027?

• New Horizon High School: Thursday, June 3, 2027 6:00 p.m.
• Century High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 
• Pocatello High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 
• Highland High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 

When do I find out about transfers?

• The elementary transfer meeting is Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
• Secondary schools transfers are notified within 60 days of submission of the application.

How do I transfer my learner?

New Elementary Transfer Form coming soon.

High School/Middle School Transfer Application coming soon.

When is registration?

• Learners who are new to PCSD 25: Register online by completing the Online Registration. After completing the registration online, call your neighborhood school after August 3 to confirm.

• In-Person new elementary school registration:

  Learners entering grades K-5 who are brand new to the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 may enroll for the 2026-2027 school year in-person on Thursday, August 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  Families are required to provide their learner’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Please note: moving into or living within a school boundary does not ensure placement at a specific school. All school placements are based on available space in that grade level at that school. Visit Find My Enrollment to find your home school. 

When is schedule pick-up for middle school and high school learners?

• August 12, 2026
  • 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• August 13, 2026
  • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

When is Back to School Night?

• Middle School Back to School Night is August 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

School	Date	Time
Chubbuck Elementary	Coming soon
Edahow Elementary	Coming soon
Ellis Elementary	Coming soon
Gate City Elementary	Coming soon
Greenacres Elementary	Coming soon
Indian Hills Elementary	Coming soon
Jefferson Elementary	Coming soon
Lewis & Clark Elementary	Coming soon
Syringa Elementary	Coming soon
Tendoy Elementary	Coming soon
Tyhee Elementary	Coming soon
Wilcox Elementary	Coming soon
Lincoln Early Childhood Center	Coming soon

Where is my bus stop?

• Elementary Boundaries
• Middle School Boundaries
• High School Boundaries

What time does my child’s school start? What time does my child’s school dismiss?

Start and Dismissal Times for Schools

What school supplies will my child need this year?

Elementary School Supplies

Middle School Supplies

High School Supplies are listed on the course syllabus

Where is the 2026-2027 school calendar located?

2025-2026 School District 25 Calendar

What are the upcoming school closure dates? (No School)

• ALL Grades: Monday, September 7, 2026 - Labor Day
• Grades K-5: Thursday & Friday, October 1 & 2, 2026 - Parent Teachers Conferences
• Grades 6-12: School will be in session Thursday, October 1. Closed Friday, October 2, 2026 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Development 
• ALL Grades: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - Election Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, November 19, 2026 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, November 20, 2026 - Teacher Professional Development Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, November 23 - 27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Break
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, December 21 - January 1, 2027 - Winter Break. School resumes Monday, January 4, 2027.
• ALL Grades: Monday, January 18, 2027 - Idaho Human Rights Day / Martin Luther King Jr., Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, February 5, 2027 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Development/Registration
• ALL Grades: Monday, February 15, 2027 - President's Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, March 5, 2027 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, March 22 - 26, 2027 - Spring Break
• ALL Grades: Monday, May 31, 2027 - Memorial Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, June 3, 2027 - Last Day of School

What is the best way to monitor my child’s progress during the school year?

• Parent engagement has a direct correlation to student success. PCSD 25 parents can log into the Campus Parent Portal and stay engaged with information at-your-fingertips throughout the school year. Parent favorites include:
  • Access to student grades 
  • Review attendance and absences 
  • Monitor assignments due or upcoming exams 
  • Notifications for School/District Announcements 
  • Lunchroom information 
• To download the Campus Parent Portal app on your mobile phone. Visit the App or Play Store on your mobile device and search for “campus parent portal”. If you need login information, please contact the Help Desk: (208) 235-3219.

We are thrilled to announce our 2026 Simplot Inspirational Teachers of the Year— Matt Anderson (Century High School), Amy Mann (Alameda Middle School), and Sheena Phelps (Jefferson Elementary)!

These incredible educators were nominated by learners who see firsthand the passion, creativity, and care they bring to the classroom every day. Their ability to inspire, innovate, and build lifelong skills truly sets them apart.

This year, 2,204 nominations were submitted honoring 407 amazing teachers across District 25—proof of the extraordinary talent in our schools. Over the past two weeks, 15 more exceptional finalists were each recognized and presented with a $100 award in appreciation of their dedication and impact.

Matt, Amy, and Sheena were celebrated today at their schools and awarded $500 from the Simplot Education Council in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Thank you to J.R. Simplot Co. and the Simplot Education Council for championing our teachers and uplifting the work they do for our learners and community.

First Friday Art Walk | MAY 1, 2026 | 5-8:00 p.m. | Gate City Coffee

Artwork | Poetry | Photography & Photo Stories
Pottery & Sculpture | Musical Composition and More

Artwork awards sponsored by the SD25 Education Foundation

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 invites the community to experience America Through the Eyes of Our Learners, a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street). The event will feature more than 200 pieces of original artwork and creative expression from learners across School District 25.

Live student musical performances will also be featured during the event at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The exhibition features submissions from learners in grades K–12, with works developed through classroom and individual creative efforts across a variety of mediums, including visual art, photography, multi-media creations, and poetry.

The event is part of a broader effort by the PCSD 25 Board of Trustees to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by creating opportunities for learners to explore, reflect on, and share what the nation’s history and ideals mean to them today.

Awards will be presented across multiple categories and grade levels, including Best in Show and People’s Choice Awards, with more than $2,000 in prizes recognizing learner achievement and creativity.

Awards for the competition are proudly sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, whose support helps make opportunities like this possible for learners across the district.

This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice, said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice voting during the event and help select winning entries. Community members can also support future opportunities for learners by connecting with the Education Foundation during the event.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

By Courtney Fisher

Neighborhood schools shape more than education — they shape childhood, community, and the friendships that last a lifetime.

When I was a student at Indian Hills Elementary in the 1980s, the upper stretch of Country Club Drive wasn’t paved and lined with homes the way it is today. It was a craggy dirt road — the kind best suited for off-roading — bordered by open fields. I lived in the upper Johnny Creek neighborhood, and most mornings my friends and I climbed onto the bus together, sharing stories from the day before, laughing about playground adventures, planning whose house we’d hang out at after school, and hoping it would be a good lunch day with chocolate peanut butter bars. 

Getting to school took a little longer in those days. Without today’s straight shot down the hill, our bus hugged the tight curves of Johnny Creek Road before heading south on Bannock Highway—a route that added miles and minutes to the trip compared to the bus routes children ride today.

On warm spring days, my brother and I rode our bikes instead, gripping our handlebars as we bounced along the rutted road until it gave way to smoother pavement, where we’d coast the rest of the hill toward a building that felt as familiar as home.

Indian Hills looked different then. The school was organized in a mix of open pods and closed classrooms — a different approach to learning spaces than we see today. But what hasn’t changed in nearly 40 years is how that school made me feel.

I felt welcomed. I felt known. I belonged.

Those neighborhood friendships extended beyond the classroom. We played on the same teams, attended the same birthday parties, and sang and danced — and yes, even clogged — in the same community groups. We grew up together.

Many of those friendships still exist today. In fact, one of those neighborhood friends, Mrs. Baird, now teaches kindergarten at Indian Hills — welcoming a new generation of learners into the same community that shaped us.

Years later, my own children walked through the doors of Indian Hills.

They formed tight-knit friendships with classmates who lived just down the street. They played on the same teams. They found teachers who knew their strengths and encouraged their growth. They experienced the same sense of belonging that shaped my childhood.

Neighborhood schools are more than buildings. They are anchors of community — where children form their first friendships, build confidence, and begin to understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Today, the dirt road is gone. The fields are neighborhoods. Classrooms have evolved. Technology is integrated. Instruction is more research-based than ever before. But when I walk into Indian Hills — through the same hallways I once walked — I still see what matters most: relationships.

At Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, we believe strong foundations start with belonging.
Kindergarten is often a child’s first experience in structured learning outside the home — a milestone for children and parents alike. That first day brings excitement, but also uncertainty.

Neighborhood schools ease that transition.

When children attend school close to home, they see familiar faces at the park, at community events, and on their own street. Classmates become teammates, neighbors, and often lifelong friends. Parents build relationships with families who share the same sidewalks and routines.

Inside those classrooms, our educators focus on the whole child.

PCSD 25’s kindergarten classrooms are built on safe, welcoming environments where every learner is known and supported. Teachers use proven instructional practices to help students understand not only what they are learning, but how they learn best. Structured routines, play-based exploration, and strong early foundations in literacy and math nurture curiosity and confidence.

The results speak for themselves.

PCSD 25 ranks among the districts with the highest graduation rates among large school districts in Idaho while maintaining one of the highest teacher retention rates. Those outcomes do not begin in high school. They begin in kindergarten classrooms — where children first discover they are safe, valued, and capable.

Public neighborhood schools also reflect something essential: accountability and access. There is no tuition. No barriers. Our schools are rooted in the communities they serve and committed to supporting every learner.

As someone who once rode the bus down a dirt road to Indian Hills — and later watched my own children grow in those same hallways — I see the continuity clearly. School has changed. Our community has grown. Our tools have advanced. But the heart of our neighborhood schools remains the same.
They are places where children belong.

Online kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open, with in-person visits to complete the process scheduled on April 2. If you are considering where your child will begin their educational journey, I encourage you to look close to home.

Strong communities build strong schools. Strong schools build confident learners.

And in PCSD 25, your neighborhood school is ready to welcome your family — just as Indian Hills once welcomed me.

You belong here.
                                      
Courtney Fisher is the Director of Communications & Community Relations for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, where she also serves as the Director of the SD25 Education Foundation. A native of Pocatello and graduate of PCSD 25, she is passionate about strengthening local public education. Courtney and her husband, Ethan, are the proud parents of two daughters, both now in college.